Warwick Publishing (PPAI 114154, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 66 supplier, has announced the completion of a major energy-efficiency initiative in partnership with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency.

The project, made possible through the IMEA’s Electric Efficiency Program, included a comprehensive upgrade to interior and exterior LED lighting throughout Warwick’s manufacturing facility and headquarters.

• In total, the project replaced 616 fixtures, resulting in an estimated annual savings of 136,400 kilowatt hours – equivalent to removing 96.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.
• In addition to significant reductions in energy consumption, the upgrades will help preserve over 113 acres of forest annually, eliminate the equivalent of 10,951 gallons of gasoline and save nearly 225 barrels of oil.

“Through this project, we are very proud to build on Warwick’s track record of being an environmentally sensitive organization,” says Alex Paschal, CEO of Warwick. “Our partnership with the IMEA has helped us take another step towards the future, and, as a part of the big picture, build out the landscape of responsible manufacturing in the Chicagoland area.”

The Ampersand Group (PPAI 260319, Standard-Plus) held its 2025 National Convention at The Galaxy in Akron, Ohio, from May 12-14.

• The event kicked off with a day full of engaging educational sessions and round table discussions on AI, lead generation, on-demand printing, digital scratch offs and tariffs.
• The following Vendor Showcase Summit was sold out.

“It was exciting to have everyone get together in person,” says Todd Mellon, president and CEO of The Ampersand Group. “We were able to discuss the challenges we’re facing, share ideas and best practices with each other and come up with creative solutions together. Our members, staff and vendor partners are looking forward to continuing our momentum with a strong second half.”

Atlantis Headwear (PPAI 753003, Standard-Plus) has collaborated with Ford Motor Company to create the Ford Eco Range collection.

Along with cyber-Wear, Germany’s largest distributor, Ford partnered with Atlantis to convert its headwear line to styles made entirely with low-impact materials.

• During the design process, Atlantis used preferred materials including Polylana, recycled cotton and recycled polyester to lower environmental impact and increase durability.
• Atlantis paid close attention to every component in designing these products, including using recycled buckram, woven labels made from sustainable yarn and recycled silicone patches for customization.

The SAAGNY Foundation, the charitable arm of the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York, has announced the recipients of its 2025 college scholarships, awarded annually to the children of individuals employed by SAAGNY member companies in the promotional products industry.

Six outstanding students have been selected as scholarship recipients:

• Madisen Jensen, daughter of Annette Jensen, MacKenzie-Childs
• Kayla Inahuazo, daughter of Myrian Romero, Peerless Umbrella
• Emma Terveen, daughter of Mark Terveen, Fey Industries
• Adalyn Madl, daughter of Amelia Madl, PromoCorner
• Skylar Cohen, daughter of Jamie Cohen, Zagwear
• Sawyer Jacobs, son of Nate Jacobs, Zagwear

“We were thrilled to see a record number of submissions this year,” says Deborah Gaspar, chair of the SAAGNY Foundation. “Each application showcased the hard work and aspirations of the next generation. It was an honor to support these students as they pursue their academic and professional dreams.”